supporting & Caregiving

Supportive Care Book Series

Models of Sustainable Care and Stories of Support

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Supportive Care in the Congregation

Providing a congregational network of care for persons with significant disabilities

Supportive Care in the Congregation presents a way for congregations to support individuals with significant disabilities and their families by creating circles of care. This vision is rooted in the Anabaptist value of mutual care. Since this resource was first published, the vision for a network of congregational care has grown and evolved. Complementary ministries and movements have emerged. This edition offers a wealth of resources to those who take up the invitation to build supportive, caring, inclusive communities of faith.

​written by Dean A. Preheim-Bartel, Aldred H. Neufeldt, Paul D. Leichty, and Christine J. Guth. 

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cover of Supportive Care in the Congregation book.
cover of Circles of Love book.

Circles of Love

Stories of congregations caring for people with disabilities and their families

If your family includes someone with disabilities, you know that congregations can be places of healing or harm, support or lack of care. How can churches better support individuals with disabilities and their families? Circles of Love tells the stories of people who have received support from caring people in Anabaptist congregations, support that has changed the course of their lives. These are stories of ordinary people whose lives have been transformed by circles of love. Learn concrete acts of compassionate care that congregations can make to support people with disabilities and those who love them.

​written by Dean A. Preheim-Bartel, Aldred H. Neufeldt, Paul D. Leichty, and Christine J. Guth

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After We’re Gone

A Christian perspective on estate and life planning for families that include a dependent member with a disability

Caring for an adult who is dependent due to a significant disability is a major responsibility. Making provisions for that person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being after the death of a caregiver can be complex and confusing. After We’re Gone introduces options and resources for the Christian family and faith community as they interact with the legal system to make provisions for the ongoing care of loved ones with disabilities.

​written by Duane Ruth-Heffelbower

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cover of After We're Gone book: the backside of two people holding hands and walking on a path through the forest.

Praise for the Supportive Care Series

Circles of Love offers example after example of congregations that have overcome the “hesitations blues” and built on an understanding that we are all part of God’s family.
Joe Landis, MPA
Founder and Executive Director of Peaceful Living
Circles of Love is a compelling book that illustrates the power of authentic relationships to transform the lives of people with disabilities and their families. But just as importantly, each story in this collection reminds us just how much we all have to gain from investing deeply in the lives of one another.
Erik Carter
author of Including People with Disabities in Faith Communities;
professor at Vanderbilt University
Supportive Care in the Congregation provides compelling ideas for putting our commitments into practice. People with significant disabilities and their families will no doubt benefit from supportive networks. But those congregation members who are willing to enter into new relationships will also be transformed through receiving the gifts and friendship of people with disabilities.
Erik Carter
author of Including People with Disabities in Faith Communities;
professor at Vanderbilt University
A Supportive Care group in a congregation, committed to both immediate crises and the long haul, has the capacity to preach and teach about the grace and love of God.
Bill Gaventa, M.Div.
Disability Advocacy Consultant and Educator
Author of Disability & Spirituality
In our pluralistic society with the myriad of choices available, After We’re Gone is an excellent resource for Christian families.
—Joe Landis, MPA, Founder and Executive Director of Peaceful Living
Joe Landis, MPA
Founder and Executive Director of Peaceful Living
The past can be painful, the present frustrating, and the future intimidating for a parent, family member, or care provider of a person with a disability. After We’re Gone is an extended hand, reaching out to those who are worried or frustrated to offer encouragement, support, and hope.
Wilfred Martens, PhD
Professor Emeritus of English, Fresno Pacific
University
Founding member of California Mennonite Residential
Services
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